Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  2ND TIME STANG BUYER - 2007 Ford Mustang
  By BIGCOUNTRY - June 3 - 11:56 pm

  I love the new body style. Very BOLD and strong. Very strong with great acceleration for a V-6.

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2001 Ford F-150
  By fordtestdriver - June 3 - 11:47 pm

  I love my truck. The only thing that has gone wrong in 5 years is the antenna loosened after driving through the car wash. It was repaired under warranty. I purchased an aftermarket engine recalibration package and if I burn premium I get about 3 mpg better and a lot more power with the reprogrammed chip. I plan on keeping this truck for a long time.

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  usable vehicle - 2006 Ford Escape
  By DINO - June 3 - 9:31 pm

  I am handicapped and was in need of dependable vehicle for my wife. We looked at several vehicles and the Escape suited our needs the best of all. We are very satisfied.

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  Good car, dont buy for mileage! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By ddd13 - June 3 - 12:55 pm

  Edmunds! How about correcting your review regarding the stellar mileage? Ford - how about changing the deceptive commercials representing that mileage is better than a Prius V? This is nice little car, but it is abundantly clear that its real world mileage is in the 36 to 37 mph range, while the Prius V can expected to yield 42 - 44 with similar driving. Really disappointing is highway mileage if you expect to drive more than 63 mph. Over 3000 miles of very moderate driving and often attempting to manage the EV mode, we cant exceed 36 for any reasonable distance. Recent 300+ mile trip at 70-75 maxed out at 36 mph. Could be driving a non-hybrid. High 40s for Prius V at speed???

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  Best Pony Ever - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Mark - June 3 - 10:24 am

  Best performance car Ive ever owned, and right at home parked next to my 1964 1/2 Mustang. High performance and great mileage (25.5 mpg at 70 mph). Very comfortable. Holds the road in turns like no other. Shaker 1000 is incredible sound system. GREAT job by the FORD Team!

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  LOVE my new 500!! - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By 4thefrd500 - June 3 - 9:16 am

  I recently traded in my Mercury Monterey minivan for the Ford 500. (est drove 4 other cars before buying). Was skeptical at first but I love it more with each day. It is fun to drive, the kids have plenty of room in the back seat and the trunk is HUGE (can fit the kids bikes in the there)! It is also affordable and GREAT on gas. Also, cheaper to insure that the minivan. No complaints here. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Excursion 7.3 L Diesel - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By kevins3 - June 2 - 9:29 pm

  My vehicle has 55,000 miles and is 3 yrs old. I am very happy with it except the problem with the 4x4 not disengaging and the ball joints needing to be replaced already. But driving it to the south is great a joy to drive. Got 18.2 miles to the gallon.

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  Okay, but no more Fords - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By FA91 - June 2 - 8:15 pm

  As a family who buys new cars and drives them into the ground, I should not complain about the Explorer. I bought this car new in 1998 for about $20,600. At the time this was a very good deal. It was the base model with 5 speed and no roof rack, rear wiper or rear defrost. Good service with no work done until about 80K. It then started eating brakes like candy. Intake manifold went at 90K, and cost $600 to fix at a reasonably priced mechanic. Replaced a front axle hub for $300. Shouldnt be complaining at 107K, but no resale value and my two other vehicles are at 110K 92 Dodge Pickup and 195K - 91 Chrysler. Both still going strong. No more Fords, bought an Xterra.

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  Never Again - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mcook30512 - June 2 - 4:51 pm

  40,000 miles and the transmission went. $3,900 to repair. I have been reading of too many similar occurrences with these vehicles so I would never consider buying another.

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  2000 Excursion - 2000 Ford Excursion
  By Brian - June 2 - 1:57 pm

  I really am satisfied with my truck. I have never found a load I couldnt tow. Its comfortable for trips with two children and two dogs. Fuel usage, well it is a big vehicle with a V10, and thats all I have to say about that. Id buy it again!